Robbie Williams shocked football fans when he gave the middle finger to the world at the opening of the 2018 World Cup .

The former Take That star may have broken the law by swearing at the camera while singing along to his Rock DJ song.

According to the Independent, the display of explicit language during the TV broadcast may have broken the law.

In 2014, Russia took a stricter stance towards swear words, and implemented a ban on TV broadcasts, theatres and the media, with offenders facing "fines of between $70 and $1,400 depending on whether they’re an individual, an official or an organisation", reports The Mirror .

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Despite swearing during his performance, Robbie did remain true to his word and left his 2016 song Party Like A Russian, which attracted negative press in the country, off the setlist.

Because the song appears to criticise the excesses of Russian oligarchs, the decision to book Robbie to sing at the opening ceremony was met with surprise when it was announced by FIFA on Monday.

Meanwhile, the plans for the opening ceremony at the Luzhniki Stadium had been a closely-guarded secret.

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

(Image: REUTERS)

Williams - described by FIFA as a 'global music icon' - performed at certain points throughout the scheduled 15-minute pre-tournament build-up.

The 44-year-old opened with his 1998 single Let Me Entertain You at the start of proceedings after spending time on stage with former Brazil striker Ronaldo.

Russian harpist Alexander Boldachev then took centre-stage, with a large 'fire bird' entering the pitch carrying operatic performer Aida Garifullina.

She performed a duet of Williams' smash-hit Angels with the Stoke-born singer, who also brought the ceremony to a close by singing Rock DJ.

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

(Image: REUTERS)

Former Spain captain Iker Casillas lifted the World Cup in 2010 and brought the trophy out ahead of the ceremony, with the 32 flags representing the competing nations unfurled during the the performance of Angels.

Around 800 people were involved in the on-stage activities, which were held closer to kick-off than in recent finals.

Williams said opening the event to 80,000 fans and many millions all over the world was a boyhood dream, and added: "We'd like to invite football and music fans to party with us in Russia, in the stadium, or to tune in their TVs a little earlier for an unforgettable show."